Honda takes wraps off Vezel SUV

Honda is giving its customers a first-look at the new Vezel compact crossover SUV it intends to introduce to the UK market in 2015.

Taking pride of place at the manufacturer's Tokyo Motor Show stand, the 4x4 will come with petrol and hybrid engines in Japan but it is likely to add a 1.6-litre diesel variant in Europe. Honda claims the SUV is designed like a coupe and will join the ranks of crossovers eating into the sales of hatchbacks.

The Japanese car giant also showed off its two-seater S660 roadster targeting the country's micro car customers. The 'kei' car has a 660cc turbocharged engine and shares some of the characteristics of the NSX supercar, which is also on the Honda stand.

Honda is expecting big things for the S660 in the Japanese market, but it is unlikely it will be sold as it is in the UK. Japan has strict microcar regulations and it is thought it will arrive in Europe with the more powerful 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbocharged unit due to power the Honda Jazz.

The NSX is set to be on sale in the US next year but UK customers face a longer wait to arrangecar insurance and put the supercar through its paces.